“Hess Farms is a well-known grower in the state of Pennsylvania and has worked with BJ’s for a few years,” according to a news release from BJ’s.. “The farm joined the Farm to Club program three years ago and BJ’s is thrilled to have such a good relationship with a wonderful partner.”

According to the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, in a study of 16 common fruits and vegetables, the average one traveled just under 1,500 miles before it was sold to a consumer. Additionally, 39 percent of fruits and 12 percent of vegetables were imported from other countries. To keep food from spoiling during these long trips, some produce is picked before it has had a chance to fully ripen — and absorb nutrients from its surroundings.

To combat this, BJ’s is refreshing its Farm to Club program created to promote locally grown produce to help the local economy and provide healthy options, making it possible for customers to have fresh fruits and vegetables that are practically grown in their own backyard.

BJ’s Wholesale Club has more than a dozen locations in Pennsylvania with a new store set to open in Chambersburg in mid-September.

The club provided this recipe for locally grown produce:

Wedge Salad with a Cucumber Ranch Dressing

By Elise Johnson

Salad

2 heads iceberg lettuce, cleaned and cut into 8 wedges

1/2 zucchini, sliced

1/2 yellow squash, sliced

1 cup grape, cherry or Campari tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, seeded and sliced

Dressing

1 cucumber, seeded and grated

1 Vidalia onion, grated

1 1/2 cups mayonnaise

1/2 cup sour cream

1 cup buttermilk

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

4 tablespoons Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning & Salad Dressing Mix

Zest and juice of one lemon

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

In a food processor (or with a hand grater) grate the cucumber and the onion. Place the cucumber, onion and its’ juices in a large mixing bowl.

Add your mayonnaise, sour cream, parsley, cilantro, seasoning mix, lemon zest and juice and black pepper. Mix well. Place in large glass jar or container and store in the refrigerator.

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